Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8 Phase 2

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 Launched to rave reviews in 1959, the \'Big Healey\' has gone on to become perhaps the most iconic and sought after of all the hairy-chested British sportscars of the 1960s.

Particularly popular on the North American market, the Austin-Healey 3000 (Mk I) introduced a number of improvements to the already successful 100-6. The change of model name heralded the more powerful 2,912cc BMC C-Series engine whose 124bhp propelled the car to a top speed of nearly 120mph.

Other improvements included front disc brakes, independent front suspension, wire wheels as standard, and a choice of either 2-seater or 2+2 body styles. Options included a detachable hardtop roof and overdrive transmission. The 3000 Mk I remained in production until the arrival of the triple-carb132bhp MkII in 1961, soon followed by a MkIIA with wind-up windows, a wrap-around windscreen and a convertible hood but just two carbs.

The ultimate production development of the 3000 range arrived in 1964, the Mk III. With 150bhp and 165lbft of torque now on tap, its 124mph top speed was accessed via a four-speed manual gearbox with optional Laycock overdrive on 3rd and 4th – effectively a six-speed box for effortless cruising at sustained high speeds. Servo-assisted brakes were now fitted as standard, and only 2+2 versions were available with Ambla vinyl seats also standard. The rest of the interior was more luxurious than before with more comfortable seats, a wood veneered dashboard and a new centre console/gear surround.

In May 1964 the Phase 2 version of the MkIII was released, which benefited from redesigned rear suspension, strengthened splined hubs, improved ground clearance and larger diameter front disc brakes. A sensation right from the start, this really was a case of a good car just getting better and better and good ones are highly sought after.

This original UK market RHD British Racing Green example is certainly one of the good ones and has had just three owners to date. Bought new in April 1965 by F Lines and Co, Globe Metal Works, Northampton, it then passed to a second owner who kept it for 38 years (1974 – 2012) when the vendor acquired it. Apart from a high quality repaint some years ago, the car is said to be totally original with no signs of any previous welding and a superb chassis.

In 1995 the engine was fully rebuilt with new pistons etc. and the odometer re-set to zero, having clocked up only 11,000 miles since. Other repairs include a top-end rebuild in 2001 with a new camshaft and followers, rebuilt starter motor in 2005, new clutch and brake master cylinders in 2007 and a new stainless steel exhaust in 2013 when new chrome wire wheels and Pirelli Cinturato tyres were also fitted.

Other features include an overdrive gearbox, tonneau and hood cover, original spare wheel and wheel changing kit and an original owner’s handbook. The panel light switch acts as a discreet anti-theft device and must be flicked down before the engine can be started, while a secret fuel cut-off switch is also concealed in the passenger footwell – two features that make it very hard to steal.

In superb condition throughout with a particularly fine interior and excellent panel gaps, the car came 3rd in Class at the Austin-Healey Club Concours at Calke Abbey in June 2013.

Taxed until August 2015 and MOTd until next September (with no advisories recorded), this magnificent three-owner machine with just 11,000 miles on its rebuilt engine is ready to enjoy right away.